Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  poor gas milage - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By toyotas_suck - July 17 - 12:15 am

  I recently bought a 2015 corolla after a crazy person crashed into me and totaled my 2007 corolla. This is my 3rd corolla in a row and my second brand new one. I bough it because my other one was so good and i was planning on driving until it died. I wanted the "L" model because it had the same engine and transmission as my last one. My 2007 corolla went 135,000 miles without only very one very minor issue. my old corolla got between 31-33 MPG. My new corolla started out getting about 27MPG and has steadily decreased. I now get about 21MPG. I took it to the dealer(3000 miles on it) and they gave me some BS about winter gas and it still needed to break in. i will be trading for honda!

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  Satisfied Snowbird - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - July 16 - 11:46 pm

  Have driven my 08 Limited AWD for only about a month - majority of mileage is highway driving. Very satisfied with performance. MPG has averaged 25-27 on highway. Had two avalons prior to this SUV. Never a mechanical problem.

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  Best of the Vans - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By George Cox - July 16 - 11:50 am

  Minor Grips, Key Fobs dont Adjust Drivers Seat & Mirror, Cant Operate power windows in assocory. position, Interior lights dont turn off after a time when door is left open, Front passenger seat is not electric. No interior lights in the hatch back door. No spare tire. (Note all above items are std on the Chrysler T & C LTD.)

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  4 runner Sport V8 - Awsome - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jaspurr - July 16 - 8:36 am

  Just put 1500 miles on in the first month. Towed my 17 foot whaler to Cape Cod, did not even know the boat was attached. I just moved up from a 97 Tacoma 4x4 and need to get use to the automatic. Great truck, comfortable, quiet, quiet, quiet. Plenty of room for 2 kids, wife and dog. The suspension is tight, the wheels grip well. Great visibility. Wanted a pathfinder off-road - got the V8 Sport for $2000 less, which I think is the best value out there. Paid right around $29K after rebate, still a lot for a vehicle but I know it will last me 7-9 years without a problem, all my other Toyotas have!!!!!

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  great - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Big Ballar - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that i have driven in my whole life. The feel when i speed up and drive is amazing. I love this car.

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  This is a great car! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Buchholz - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1995 Camry Wagon with high milage banking on its reliability and Toyota name. I was not let down. Other than regular maintainace I have had no problems with the car and I now have 200K on it! It handles just like a car even though it is a wagon and the 3rd seat in the back comes in handy when you have a few more kids to take with you. The engine and transmission are still running great with no issues. There is some rust around the back wheel wells which is a problem here in the NE. This car is a keeper!

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ShadowRunner - July 16 - 2:00 am

  After the last gas price spike I knew my gas guzzeling days were numbered. When I saw this car being unloaded off the delivery truck I knew I had to have it and was estatic to see it was a Prius. It handles just as well as my 02 Camry - very smooth, nimble & quiet. I find myself watching the energy monitor a lot (perhaps I need to keep my eyes more on the road) but its facinating to watch the goings on in the car. Inside is very comfy. My tall husband has plenty of head room and its sure a head turner.

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  Great car and reasonably prices - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ah7771 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  All that youd expect from Toyota in terms of quality. You feel like youre in a Lexus when you deck this thing out with all the options like navigation, etc. V-6 is strong through most used RPM ranges

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  4 Runner Limited - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By George F. Bova Jr. - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Just Purchased 2004 4Runner and it is my first Toyota and it was by far my best investment. The ride and reliability in a SUV cannot be beat.

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  04 SR5 4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By keitho - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the 05 SR5 4WD with the V8 and absolutely love it. Definitely better since the redesign in 03. Finally offered the 3rd seat option which is a definite plus. However, the 3rd seat eliminated the option for the sunroof(which I still dont understand) and any possibility to upgrade the stereo system! Ive also noticed that w/3rd seat, the middle row seat is definitely not as comfortable but certainly worth the trade-off. V8 is definitely the way to go versus the V6 with only a minimal decrease in gas mileage......Styling is awesome!